My Writing Desk

There is a corner of our master bedroom that I’ve been quietly working on for a while now. It started with Mr. Suburble hauling home a neglected little desk from decades ago..

A coat of paint and some new hardware went a long way with this little diamond in the rough.

I envisioned sitting there in quiet parts of the day – or the night – writing at my laptop. Mr. Suburble has a terrible habit of not wanting to go to bed until I do. By being able to work upstairs, this way he can get some sleep – and I can get some work done.

First, I had to find the chair.

I found this blue upholstered number at Home Sense. It has a nailhead trim and is comfortable to sit in. It’s perfect for perching upon to write, read, or type away.

I love the coral “Sit. Stay” pillow. It’s an invitation to the little nook.

A big problem for me on desktops is that I have a bunch of little bits and bobs that seem to spread around the work area. A tray keeps everything together and keeps clutter in one place.

This little tray was a quick project with just a lick of paint and some personalized wrapping paper.

I created this gorgeous feather-print wrapping paper on the Tiny Prints website. “Read, Write, Repeat” is something that I’m trying to remind myself of this year.

It was in Stephen King’s “On Writing” where I read that a writer cannot be good unless he or she reads. This little phrase is a reminder that while it’s great to want to create all of the time, it’s important to also make time to read.

I cut out a portion of the paper and fit it into an unfinished wooden tray.

Then I put the paper aside and gave the tray a coat of Fusion paint in ceramic. It’s a fun colour that would pop out against the dark grey desktop.

Instead of Mod Podging the tray, I opted to glue the paper down and then seal the edges with red and white polka-dotted washi tape. The tray isn’t going to see any hard use. It’s just me and a few odds and ends.

But if this was going to live where my children run, I’d definitely put a coat of Mod Podge – or two – to seal this tray top.

I’ve treated myself to a bit of fun stationery. I’m still a big fan of “snail mail” – despite the fact that email does rule my life most days. It makes stamps and pens that much more special.

Can you read this and not sing Lionel Richie?

If so, you’re a better woman than I.

“…. is it me you’re looking for?”

There’s nothing quite like an embossed seal at the back of an envelope. I know… I’m old fashioned, but it’s a little detail that gives me a thrill.

It’s all fancy-like. Stationery is something I like to be finicky about.

Because what is more satisfying than writing with a Sharpie?

Not much. Just ask my girls. It’s a treat and a half to scribble something with a permanent marker – and a mother whirring overhead making sure that all permanent inks stay only on paper.

All that’s missing from this picture – aside from me, bundled up in the blanket – is a cup of hot tea.

It’s a little place for me to be. One that isn’t in the hub-bub of life, but is instead tucked away – in a corner by a window.

WelcomeI'm Tara. This is a space for me to share my "makes" as well as my messes. I love beautiful things, funny people, and a good cup of tea. If I can drag my children into my creative ventures, I will. If they haven't inherited craftiness, they'll learn it!

In Print

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Thank you for visiting Suburble! If you enjoy a project or a post that appears on the blog, I encourage you to share it! Please limit your sharing to one image and one link back to the post. Any excerpts of text, multiple photos, or tutorials - whether copied or paraphrased - are not permitted to be shared and will result in a request to take down the post. Photos of my family may not be shared unless you have my express written permission.

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Tara

Bette @ bette’s house

love the desk makeover and the fabric colour on the chair is awesome. By the way… i wasn’t singing Lionel Ritchie… I was singing Adelle’s new song. My radio station combined the two songs together and it was hilarious. Thanks for getting it back in my head.

Tara

So true… maybe Lionel needs to move over for some Adele “Hello” in my head? Thank you so much for your compliments, Bette. I love that chair colour too. Jewel tones are starting to stand out to me now.

mary beth at MBZ Interiors

I adore your desk makeover. It reminds me of the one in our house that used to be a mid century sewing machine table (it was a lot of work removing the heavy sewing machine from inside the cabinet but worth it). I love snail mail too and always write my clients a hand written thank you note after their interior design is complete. Love that stationery.

Tara

The stationery is wonderful, isn’t it? I love snail mail. It’s such a thrill to find a hand-addressed envelope in the mailbox. It’s why I won’t give up on Christmas cards, either. And thank you so much for your kind words, Mary Beth. I love my little writing space.

Virginia

Tara

Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

This desk is so pretty, I love the color you painted it and the new knobs… you gave it a whole new look. The way you decorated it with accessories, the chair and pillow is perfect, too! I am working on my home office right now and it really is just so nice to have a creative space!

Tara

Maria @ Pastels & Macarons

I LOVE this entire office look and your makeover and art is so pretty! You did an amazing job! Thanks for sharing at #turnituptuesday 🙂 I’m one of the co-hosts for November and December and I loved your project. Can’t wait to see what you link up with us next week! 🙂 Maria. x

Tara

Lou Lou Girls

This is perfect! Pinned and tweeted. We appreciate you taking the time to party with us! I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm, so we get to see your fabulous new creations. The party goes until Friday at 7 pm. Happy Sunday! Lou Lou Girls

Tara

Amber

You chose the perfect shade to repaint the desk. I love it! I recently re did my home office and it makes such a difference in my day! Yes I did read “Hello” in Lionel Richie’s voice lol. AND now I have Adele’s new song in my head. 😉

Tara

Lisa Silfwerbrand

I absolutely love this desk makeover Tara. I am a sucker for all things painted and love how great this turned out! (not to mention the lovely colour!). Thanks for linking it up at the Bewitchin’ Projects Block Party last week; you were one of my featured picks over at Recreated Designs. Hugs, Lisa